Greenhouse, provided with a profile frame for guiding a foil and also provided with a snap-on frame for the affixing thereof, as well as a profiled frame, a snap-on frame, a clamping construction and a profiled beam

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse in which a foil (2) is affixed in a profiled frame (3) of &#34;V&#34;-form by a snap-on frame (1) also of &#34;V&#34;-form and in which at least one of the legs (3a) is provided with an extending edge (4). In a particular embodiment one of the legs of the profiled snap-on frame (1) is provided with another extending edge (5) and possibly a flap (6). The new construction has not only the advantage of simplicity but also the advantage that it is easy to fit and easy to remove.

A greenhouse provided with a profiled frame for guiding a foil and alsoprovided with a snap-on frame for the affixing thereof, as well as aprofiled frame, a profiled snap-on frame, a clamping construction and aprofiled beam.

The invention relates to a greenhouse provided with a profiled frame 3for guiding a foil 2 and which said foil 2 can be affixed thereto withthe aid of a snap-on frame 1.

The invention also relates to profiled frames, snap-on frames andclamping constructions for foil and to profiled beams for greenhousesfor so far as these can be adapted for greenhouses.

For so far as the invention is concerned, the foil 2 is to be construedas meaning a material the dimensions of which in the length and breadthare large when compared to that of the thickness and that it exhibitssome degree of flexibility. In the foregoing context one may think of afoil, film or a sheet-like material in general, whether or not it has aprofiled cross-section, and which is to be retained in a fixed positionwhen in use. Examples of such a material are plastic films, awnings,screens, covers and suchlike.

A greenhouse having the foregoingly quoted characteristics is known inwhich a lower side of the foil, forming the sidewall of the overcoveringof a greenhouse, is affixed to a gutter construction by means of aprofiled frame for foil guidance and by a snap-on frame.

It is noted that the construction of this prior art is meant to be theside or upper wall of a greenhouse in which the forms of the profiledframe and the snap-on frame are complicated and the foil is not easilyremoved therefrom. Another disadvantage is that the foil is difficult tostretch into place thus adding yet another disadvantage if the foil isto be used in a greenhouse as a sunblind or as insulation.

The object of the invention is now to provide a simple construction foraffixing foil to a greenhouse and having the a profiled frame 3applicable to a clamping construction for a greenhouse.

The profiled frame 3 is therefor preferably manufactured from metal,hard plastic or combination thereof.

The invention also relates to a profiled snap-on frame 1 applicable to aclamping construction for a greenhouse.

The profiled snap-on frame 1 is preferably manufactured from a springmaterial.

Suitable spring materials in this context are elastomer materials suchas PVC (polyvinylchloride), PP (polypropylene) or thin aluminium strip.

As previously stated herein, the invention also relates to profiledbeams 7a-7a applicable for use in a greenhouse and are thus providedwith one or more profiled frames (3,3' . . . ) each of which co-operateswith a profiled snap-on frame 1 and are thus produced as a clampingprofile of "V" form for the foil 2 and in which at least one of the legs3a of the profiled frames (3,3' . . . ) is provided with an extendingedge 4.

If the profiled beams 7 are provided with two profiled frames (3,3') forexample then this has the advantage that a number of foils 2 can beaffixed thereto. In such a case, and through the use of foils havingdifferent properties such as those of opaqueness and heat insulation,these foils will only permit distribution and easy penetration of lightof a certain wavelength to separate compartments of the greenhouse.

Preferably in the case of a profiled beam 7, easily manufactured byextrusion, only one of the legs 3a is provided with an extending edge 4.

In this case it is possible to provisionally apply tension to the foil 2by pressing it along the extending edge 4 by means of the pointedextremity formed by the apex of the profiled snap-on frame 1. Followingthis, the foil 2 is finally tensioned by allowing the profiled snap-onframe 1 to fall behind the extending edge 4.

It appears that by using a sufficiently springy material for theprofiled snap-on frame 1, a greenhouse-applicable advantage that thefoil 2 is easy to pull into place and affix.

Furthermore the new construction has the advantage that the foil 2 iseasy to remove. As stated previously herein the affixing, pulling intoplace and removal of the foil 2 are advantages of particular importancein covering greenhouses.

According to the present invention both the profiled frame 3 and theprofiled snap-on frame 1 are designed as cooperating clamping sectionsof "V" form and in which at least one of the legs 3a of the profiledframe 3 is provided with an extending edge 4.

With the new clamping construction one can easily by pressing the apexof the "V" of the snap-on frame into the foil stretch this onepreliminarily and subsequently stretch further and fix in thecooperating "V" profile by putting the snap-on frame 1 after theextending edge 4.

As previously stated herein this "V" form construction of the profiledframe 3 and the snap-on frame 1 is by its simplicity more generallyapplicable and easier to manufacture than the construction of the priorart referred to above.

The construction of the prior art referred to above is only applicableto the fixing of the upper/side wall of a greenhouse to a gutter.

As opposed to the latter quoted arrangement, the construction accordingto the invention is applicable to both internal and external walls of agreenhouse. The construction according to the present invention enjoysthe advantage that, in the process of affixing the foil or such likematerial 2 into place by inserting the "V" profiled snap-on frame 1 intothe "V" profiled frame 3, the foil 2 or such like material is pulledtight with at least some play therebetween to enable it to be pulledeven tighter.

The advantage of the new "V" profiled snap-on frame 1 is that if a forceis applied in the pulling direction to the clamped material such as thefoil 2 then the clamping assembly constituted by the "V" profiled frame3 and the "V" profiled snap-on frame 1, exercises a greater clampingeffect due to its tilting action. When the remainder material of thefoil 2 is pulled in the other direction, that is to say approximately inthe direction of the normal of the leg with the extending edge 4, thenthe clamping effect exercised by the profiled snap-on frame 1 isreleased automatically. In this manner simple, self-tensioning andreleasing actions are achieved by means of the clamping constructionaccording to the invention.

The legs forming the "V" profile of the snap-on frame 1 need to be of asufficient thickness to develop enough spring pressure.

The clearance needs to be at least 10 mm.

Preferably, the extending edge of the crosspiece 4 lies at a rightangleto the leg 3a integral therewith. Another angle other than a rightangleis also possible in some cases.

According to one embodiment of the invention in which the foil 2 isbetter secured in the "V"-profiled clamping construction, at least oneof the legs of the profiled snap-on frame 1 is provided with anextending edge 5 which co-operates with one of the extending edges 4 ofthe profiled frame 3.

In connection with the easy release of the tensioned foil 2 from theprofiled snap-on frame 1, the extending edge 5 of the latter is providedwith a flap 6.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the clampingconstruction, the profiled frame 3 and the profiled snap-on frame 1 havesubstantially the same apex angles.

In order to obtain a good clamping action, the apex angle of theprofiled snap-on frame 1 is greater than that of the profiled frame 3when in the rest condition.

In the case of the clamping construction according to the invention,good results are achieved if the apex angles lie in the range between 15and 60 degrees.

Preferably the apex angles should lie in the range between 20 and 60degrees.

As stated previously herein, the invention also relates to clampingconstruction can be closed by using a rightangled snap-on frame 1.

A rightangled snap-on frame 1 has the advantage that the appliedpressure obtainable is maximum as the result of deformation.

The invention also relates to a profiled snap-on frame 1 of rightangledform which is applicable in affixing foils 2 in place in greenhouses inco-operation with profiled frames 3 of "V"-form and with acute apexangles.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the profiledframe 3 can be replaced by a profiled frame 9 which comprises two parts10 and 11 which can be fixed to one another.

This has the advantage that the extrusion process associated withmanufacture can be simplified.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the two-part profiledframe 9 one of the parts thereof is of flat form.

Preferably, the parts 10 and 11 can be affixed to one another by one ormore screw fixings means 12.

Yet again according to another preferred embodiment of the invention,use is made of a fixable part 14 which with another fixable part 11 andthe profiled snap-on frames 1 can form two clamping constructions 15 and16 for the foil 2.

The invention is now to be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings without placing any limitation on its scope whatsoever.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show schematically in cross-section four stages ofintroducing the profiled snap-on frame 1 of "V"-form into a profiledframe 3 of like "V"-form.

FIGS. 5 to 8 relate to different forms of a profiled beam 7 in whichFIG. 7 relates to the profiled beam 7c which is provided with twoprofiled frames 3, 3'.

FIG. 9 relates to the start of the introduction of a rightangled snap-onframe 1 into a profiled frame 3, 3'.

FIG. 10 shows a good clamping action exercised on the foil 2 by adeformed snap-in frame 1.

FIGS. 11 and 12 again show two preferred embodiments of the invention inwhich use is made of a profiled frame comprising two parts affixable toone another.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 show respectively the stages in which tensioning ofthe foil 2 is started, tensioning of the foil 2 is completed, thesituation at the moment just before the profiled snap-on frame 1 assumesits fixed position and the situation at the end of these actions.

FIG. 1 shows respectively a profiled snap-on frame 1, a foil 2 which isto be affixed in position and a profiled frame 3.

The reference 3a shows one of the legs of the profiled frame 3 and whichleg is provided with an extending edge 4.

The profiles of the snap-on frame 1 and the frame 3 each are "V"-shapedin cross-section and, when the frames 1 and 3 are separated, the apexangle of the snap-on frame 1 is somewhat greater than the angle A of theprofiled frame 3.

The profiled frame 3 is for example part of the construction of agreenhouse, as is the profiled beam 7 for example.

Examples of profiled beams 7 are shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 inclusive whichare yet to be described.

In FIG. 1 the profiled snap-on frame 1 is provided with an extendingedge 5 which can co-operate with the extending edge 4 of the leg 3a ofthe profiled frame 3. Through the co-operative working of the extendingedges 4 and 5 of the profiled snap-on frame 1 and the profiled frame 3,the foil 2 can be better affixed in position.

In order to remove the profiled snap-on frame 1 of FIG. 1 in a bettermanner if it is desired to free the foil 2 from the clamping effectimposed thereon, the extending edge 5 of the profiled snap-on frame 1 isprovided with a flap 6 for this purpose.

Naturally the flap 6 need not extend over the whole of the transverselength of the profiled snap-on frame 1.

As previously stated herein, the foil 2 may be used either as protectionagainst the ingress of light or for the retention of heat.

The profiled snap-on frame 1 of FIG. 2 is pushed in the direction of thearrow into the frame 3 of like "V"-form and through which the extendingedge 4 exerts a deforming force on the associated leg of the profiledsnap-on frame 1. In this position the foil 2 has been pulled tighter.

In FIG. 3 the profiled snap-on frame 1 has been introduced further intothe profiled frame 3 and through which the extending edge 4 of theprofiled frame 3 further deforms the concerned leg of the profiledsnap-on frame 1. The deformation is indicated by the arrow associatedtherewith.

In FIG. 4, the upper leg of the profiled snap-on frame 1 has moved pastthe extending edge of the profiled frame 3 and the foil 2 has beenclamped fast in the latter.

The clamping fast of the foil 2 between the extending edge 4, theprofiled snap-on frame 1 and the profiled frame 3 is indicated by anarrow.

It is to be noted here that the more complicated design of the profiledsnap-on frame 3 of FIG. 1 offers the following further advantageshereof.

Due to the extending edge 5, the profiled snap-on frame 1 is betterenabled to join up with the configuration of the leg 3a of the profiledframe 3 and through which the foil 2 is better affixed therebetween.

Alongside the advantage that the foil 2 can be more easily freed by handbecause of the flap 6, it has the further advantage that better clampingor affixing of the foil 2 can be achieved.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 give cross sections of additional examples of profiledbeams 7a, 7b and 7d which are provided with one profiled frame 3 of"V"-form.

These profiled beams 7a, 7b and 7d possess extending edges 4 on theso-called "standing" leg 3a of the profiled frame 3.

A variation is the profiled beam 7b of FIG. 6 in which its extendingedge 4 extends at a somewhat shallow angle therefrom instead of at arightangle.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a profiled beam 7c which includes twoprofiled frames 3 and 3'. In the case of the profiled frame 3' theextending edge 4 thereof is located on the so-called "lying" leg 3b ofthe profiled frame 3'.

Placing the extending edge 4 of the profiled frame 3' on the "lying" leg3b has the advantage that the construction of the profiled beam 7c canbetter take up any possible forces which might arise.

Furthermore FIG. 7 illustrates that the so-called "standing" leg 3a canguide the foil 2 in a desired direction by the guiding member 8.

FIG. 9 is a schematical cross-section of a rightangled snap-on frame 1of square form.

FIG. 10 illustrates how the foil 2 can better be affixed behind theextending edge 4 by deformation of a rightangled snap-on frame 1.

In tensioning and affixing the foil 2 in a profiled frame 3, theprofiled snap-on frame i assumes a somewhat distorted form as the resultof its deformation. Due to this distortion, the profiled snap-on frame 1engages the leg of the profiled frame 3 as it were over a fairly largesurface of engagement which is of advantage in affixing the foil 2 inplace.

The deformation of the foil fixing leg of the profiled snap-on frame 1is, as it were, a simple replacement for the extending edge 5 of theprofiled snap-on frame 1, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of a profiled frame 9 which comprises twoparts 10 and 11 which are affixable to one another to form the profiledframe 9 of "V"-form. In this case the part 11 of parts 10 and 11 isflat.

Parts 10 and 11 are joined together by screw fixing means 12 to form theprofiled frame 9 of "V"-form.

Here the part 10 is provided with an extending edge 4.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of a profiled frame 13 formed by adetachable part 14 which concurrently forms two clamping constructions15 and 16 of "V"-form.

In FIG. 12, the part 14 is affixed to the flat part 11 by screw fixingmeans 12. Part 14 is provided with extending edges 4. A foil 2 isclamped between both the opposing sides of the profiled frames of"V"-form by the profiled snap-on frames 1 which assume a supportingposition behind the extending edges 4.

Through this, two clamping constructions of "V"-form 15 and 16 for foil2 are now formed.

The detachable part 14 has the advantage that this can be easily affixedto a stationary foundation or another profiled beam 7.

I claim:
 1. In a means for fastening a foil to a greenhouse, saidfastening means comprising at least one strip of substantially rigidprofiled frame within which a strip of flexible snap-on frame isreceivable to clamp said foil therebetween, said profiled frame andsnap-on frame strips each being V-shaped in cross-section and havingfirst and second legs joined at an apex to define an interior angle ofsaid profiled frame and an exterior angle of said snap-on frame, saidfirst leg of said profiled frame having an edge extending toward saidsecond leg thereof so as to provide an abutment engageable by said firstleg of said snap-on frame, and said angle of said snap-on frame in anunflexed condition being greater than said angle of said profiled framein order to effect a snap fit of said snap-on frame within said profiledframe, the improvement comprising:said snap-on frame being substantiallyuniform in thickness throughout, and said first and second legs of saidsnap-on frame being substantially equal in length to each other, inorder to provide identical functioning of said fastening means inclamping said foil for opposite lengthwise orientations of said snap-onframe strip relative to said profiled frame strip.
 2. The improvement asin claim 1, and further comprising:an outside length of each of saidfirst and second legs of said snap-on frame being generally equal to aninside length of said first leg of said profiled frame such that saidsaid snap-on frame is substantially nestable within said profiled frameduring clamping of said foil by said fastening means.
 3. The improvementas in claim 1, and further comprising:said first and second legs of saidsnap-on frame being identically flexible.
 4. The improvement as in claim1, wherein said greenhouse has beam means for supporting said foil, andfurther comprising:said profiled frame strip being formed integrally andlengthwise coextensive with said beam means; and said snap-on framebeing an extruded strip of material said material and said thicknessbeing sufficient to provide that said first and second legs of saidsnap-on frame are equally flexible toward and away from each other. 5.The improvement as in claim 4, and further comprising:said beams meansand integrally formed profiled frame being an extrusion of at least oneelement of a set including metal and hard plastic materials.
 6. Theimprovement as in claim 5, wherein said metal is aluminum.
 7. Theimprovement as in claim 5, wherein said hard plastic is an elastomer. 8.The improvement as in claim 5, wherein:said beam means comprises atleast one tubular beam having a wall and at least one of said legs ofsaid integrally formed profiled frame protruding outwardly from saidwall.
 9. The improvement as in claim 8 and further comprising:said firstleg of said profiled frame being a portion of said wall of said tubularbeam; and said second leg of said profiled frame protruding outwardlyfrom said wall; and said extending edge protruding from said portion ofsaid wall and providing lengthwise resistance to bending of said tubularbeam.
 10. The improvement as in claim 9, and further comprising:guidingmeans for said foil clamped in said fastening means, said guiding meanscomprising a free end of said second leg of said profiled frame beinggently curved away from said wall portion so as to provide said clampedfoil with a smooth transition out of said fastening means and in adirection substantially perpendicular to said first leg of said profiledframe.
 11. The improvement as in claim 1, and further comprising:saidexterior angle of said snap-on frame being substantially 90 degrees; andsaid interior angle of said profiled frame being in a range of about 15degrees to about 60 degrees.